Yamaha DX-5 (1985)
Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer

 

A cut-down version of mighty FM king DX-1 that would lead to best-seller synth DX-7.

The DX-5 can combine 2 engines, so it is often considered as double DX-7 engine ... with some extras!.

SYNTHESIZER 76 dynamic keys with aftertouch.
Main panel features a backlit 40 x 2 LCD display, 4 sliders, 66 push buttons and 2 wheels for modulation and pitchbending.

Rear panel terminal connectors:
- 3 non-balanced outputs part A / part B / mix A-B
- 3 XLR balanced outputs part A / part B / mix A-B
- 2 pedalswitch inputs for portamento and sustain
- 2 foot controller inputs for modulation and volume
- Midi interface

Front panel termina connectors:
- headphones out (with volume trimmer)
- breath controller input
- 2 data catridge inputs

 

 

TECH CPU based on a master 6809 (HD68B09P +2 sub-slaves) - a double FM syntesis engine (A/B) manages up to 32 digital voices polyphony (organized in to 16 X 2) ADC converter is based on BA9221, 12 bits resolution, also fitted on DX7.

STRUCTURE Main FM YM2128 generate 6 syncable sinewave oscillators (+YM2129 IC for EG) or operator each with individual volume settings and pitch detune.

SYNTHESIS OP FM synthesis generates 6 sinewave operators organized as algorithms, assigned as carrier or modulator, linked between them on different pathways interacting on their harmonic contents depending on the variable feedback strength.

Carrier defines the amplitude and the spectral frequency - Modulator sets the sound timbre and the relative harmonic contents.

ALGORITHMS DX5 features 32 algorithms with frequency ratio or fixed frequency.
The output is fed back to its input with 7 different levels feedback, as general rule: high values feedback results in richer harmonic contents.

LFO 2 digital modulators (shapes: sine, triangle, saw up/down, square and sample & hold) with adjustable start delay and sync retrigger:

- PMD modulates pitch - AMD processes the amplitude.

ENVELOPE up to 7 envelopes:

- 1 EG pitch: 4-segments structure + 4 time levels. - 1 EG for each operators: 4-segments structure + 4 time levels The Scaling Level is a very precise key follower with 4 linear / exponential curves

PERFORMANCE the bi-timbric structure allows some special fantastic playmodes:

- single : part A/B play same patch for a total of 32 voices - dual : stacks 2 parts with possible DETUNE - split: part A/B are assigned to an adjustable keyzone. - balance: sets mixing between A/B (in dual or split mode) - monophonic mode - portamento: 4 different modes with variable glide time - aftertouch can be assigned to amplitude/pitch modulation depth, volume and brillance.

MEMORY:
- 32 RAM patches for EACH part A/B
- 64 RAM performances COMBI.
System works with soldered CR2032 3V battery.
TIP: DX-5 uses same DX7 RAM1 cartriges for backup and library sounds.

 

EDIT there is only 1 editor for specific bitimbric features, the MIDIQUEST.
However there are plenty of other compatible standard DX7 editors:
- Atari ST: Dx-android, Dx expert or caged ST
- PC: Soundiver, Midiquest, DX-manager, Synlib ...
- MSX: YRM 103 -102 cartridge Voicing program also YRM304
- IOS: Yamaha DX7 /TX7 / TX816 Editor

 

 

RELATED FAMILY:

LINKS: TX802 - Tx816 - Tx7 - Sy99 - DX200 - DX7 -

 

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set:

-DEXED -MDA DX10 -OXE FM SYNTH -VX7 -HEXTER

free VST

AUDIO DEMO

classic rhodes arpeggio bass another arpeggio hellraiser carillon softpad texture pad fat cat

split balance time edm simple dirty bass + sinewave ambient DX drum split

VIDEO SELECTION DX tines with Yamaha RX-5 Circuit bent modular

MANUAL

SERVICE MANUAL

-Original Factory dump - More demo

original brochure

original brochure

CUSTOM DX-5 with WOOD ENDS
(pic from ebay auction)

Yamaha DX-5 FOR SALE CHECK OUT EBAY OFFERS